Toyota Locking all DME

[Rustyscrew]

So has anyone else heard about this? Saw it today on IG. Is this now all years or now all MY21’s? I hope it’s not a permanent lock.

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[consultadrone]

I call large amounts of BS on that one. At least about it being un-tunable now. This has been discussed, commented on and rediscussed, especially with this recall being announced and the remedy being a software update. For cars with tunable ECUs (either "unlocked" or requiring a bench "unlock"), the worst they can do is flash new software that would overwrite your tune and require you to get another bench unlock and re-tune. Maybe costly but not permanent. The current issue with the new "locked" ECUs that have yet to be cracked is a hardware issue. They are physically different DMEs with different security hardware. So unless Toyota is going to swap out ECUs, all that happened to this person is they got a software update as part of a regular service and require a bench unlock and a retune.

This is an ordinary occurrence in the BMW world when folks bring their cars in for service, and the techs hook it up to ISTA and it pushes an update.

 

[suicidaleggroll]

Unless the dealership physically replaced the ECU, I don't think that's possible.

 

[Rustyscrew]

I understand what you’re saying and I completely hope you are right. I’ve read the same over and over again about what you are saying, beating a dead horse. This just seems to be coming from a very credible source, very well know tuner who has tuned many of the 8 second Supra’s out there

 

[KBG]

Isn't STIMIKEY aka Mike Botti (aka a good resource)?

 

[consultadrone]

Isn't STIMIKEY aka Mike Botti (aka a good resource)?

Only thing I can think of is that maybe this was one of the new ECUs with older code on in and they updated it and it hardware locked. I'm not sure if the few tunable '21s out there have newer ECU hardware but just older code. My understanding of the issue regarding cracking the newer ECUs is that it's a hardware thing.

I suppose some clarification would be in order here. Particularly if this is coming from Botti.

 

[KBG]

Only thing I can think of is that maybe this was one of the new ECUs with older code on in and they updated it and it hardware locked. I'm not sure if the few tunable '21s out there have newer ECU hardware but just older code. My understanding of the issue regarding cracking the newer ECUs is that it's a hardware thing.

I suppose some clarification would be in order here. Particularly if this is coming from Botti.

Not sure - I have a tuned '21 (Visconti) and from my understanding, it's the same ECU/DME as the '20's but with a different calibration file.

 

[consultadrone]

Not sure - I have a tuned '21 (Visconti) and from my understanding, it's the same ECU/DME as the '20's but with a different calibration file.

Interesting. If that's the case, then I am woefully misinformed

 

[KBG]

Interesting. If that's the case, then I am woefully misinformed

I could have misunderstood as well... would be nice if Botti could provide more clarity around what Toyota did.

 

[suicidaleggroll]

I didn't realize that was Botti, that's interesting then. Maybe Toyota/BMW have implemented a new software lock?

Again my understanding is that the 6/20 switch is a hardware change and cannot be replicated with a software update. Though I could see a software update changing the soft lock's behavior and requiring a modification to the unlock process.

 

[Tsar]

Been to the dealer 3 times (2 oil changes and 1 for warranty work). Things are still fine, my tune is still there.

PS skipping this recall. I know how to turn on the car properly.

 

[zrk]

Isn't STIMIKEY aka Mike Botti (aka a good resource)?

Yup. This is Mike Botti.

 

[zrk]

I've heard some murmurings around places that not %100 of ECUs pre 06/2020 are tunable, and it's possible this is one of the few 'new' ones that got shipped early.

This is all hearsay, I have no idea what I'm talking about, a well-respected Chicago area tuner has said as much in a group chat, but I've been told it's not the only 2021 "unlockable" ECU that's been unlockable.

 

[dv_platinum]

Would like some more info on this as well to see what the facts are.

 

[wheeliedub]

Would like some more info on this as well to see what the facts are.

Fact right now is;

ECUs with a manufacture date post 6/20 are locked. Some success has been had with unlocks but it is a case by case basis.

Speculations;

Servicing through Toyota and updates may be rendering cars that were tuneable to a “Locked” status.

Toyota may be using the “Brake Issue Recall” to impose software locks onto unlocked cars.

Trouble right now is there will be very little confirmation as to what is actually happening with the ECU realm since Bosch and the EPA are controlling it and Toyota is just following marching orders. People are still figuring out the platform so there will be a ton of conflicting statements floating around as well. Just got to ride it out and hope it doesn’t continue down this path of not being able to modify cars.

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